Electra signs $6.1M (U.S.) refinery project contract

Executive Summary

• Electra Battery Materials Corp. has awarded a $6.1 million (US) contract to EXP Services Inc. for engineering, project management, and construction management services for its Ontario cobalt sulphate refinery.
• The company is advancing toward mechanical completion and commissioning in the first half of 2027, with production expected to follow shortly after.
• The facility is currently in the final phase of construction, with key civil, mechanical, and structural work largely completed, including foundations and major equipment installation.

Key Details

• Contract Award: $6.1 million (US) / $8.3 million (CAD) awarded to EXP Services Inc.
• Scope of Work: Engineering, project management, and construction management services during the construction phase of the Ontario battery material refinery.
• Project Status: Entering the final phase of construction; targeting mechanical completion in the first half of 2027.
• Completed Work: Key civil, mechanical, and structural work completed, including foundations, utilities, the solvent extraction building, and much of the installation of key solvent extraction and crystallizer equipment.
• Recent Activities:
  • Restarted procurement process for key piping and electrical components (automated valves and control systems).
  • Advanced site preparation, including laydown areas, warehousing, and logistics support.
  • Completed finalizing detailed engineering, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and Hazop reviews.
• Production Targets:
  • Initial capacity: 5,100 tonnes of cobalt annually in battery-grade cobalt sulphate.
  • Future expansion: 6,500 tonnes of contained cobalt in sulphate per year.
• Strategic Context: The refinery is North America's only cobalt sulphate refinery under development, located in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario.

Notable Quotes

• "Partnering with EXP provides Electra with the additional project and construction management support needed as we move into the final phase of refinery development," said Paolo Toscano, vice-president, project and engineering.
• "Electra is focused on commissioning its cobalt sulphate refinery in 2027... Electra's facility is positioned as a strategic asset to support North America's military and industrial base," said Trent Mell, chief executive officer.